How to bid on Cooked Meats for Food Assistance Programs from the USDA

What the USDA is buying

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking bids for cooked pulled chicken, beef crumbles, and pulled pork. These cooked meat products are intended for use in domestic food assistance programs. This is an opportunity for small businesses to supply essential food items to government programs.

Key dates and deadlines

This invitation for bid was published on July 31, 2026. All offers must be submitted by August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. It is crucial to submit your bid before this deadline, as late submissions may not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This solicitation is specifically set aside for small business concerns. It is suitable for food manufacturers and suppliers specializing in cooked meat products, particularly those with the capacity to produce and deliver pulled chicken, beef crumbles, and pulled pork. Firms in the food and agriculture category should consider this bid.

The USDA has an Ombudsman Program for concerns about solicitations. You can first contact the Contracting Officer for resolution within 10 business days. If unresolved, a formal agency protest can be filed electronically with the Contracting Officer and [email protected]. Protests must include information from FAR 33.104-4 (a)(3) and adhere to FAR 33.104 timeliness. Filing an agency protest means you agree not to file with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or other external forums while the agency protest is pending.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the designated link to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for a competitive response

Since this is an Invitation for Bid (IFB), pricing will be a significant factor. Ensure your pricing is competitive while still allowing for a reasonable profit margin. Pay close attention to all specifications for the cooked meats, including packaging, quantity, and delivery requirements, to ensure your offer fully complies.

Review all referenced provisions and clauses, which can be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov. Understanding these terms is essential for preparing a compliant and successful bid. Double-check all submission requirements and ensure your bid is complete and accurate before the deadline.